Extracts of bark from the traditional Chinese herb Phellodendron amurense inhibit contractility of the isolated rat prostate gland

Yuanhao Xu, Sabatino Ventura

 Prostate Research Co-operative, Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia

 

 

 

Abstract

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Aim of the study:

To assess the effectiveness of the traditional Chinese herb Phellodendron amurense (Cortex Phellodendri; Huang Bo) in treating urological disorders.

 

Materials and methods:

Prostate smooth muscle relaxant activity of an extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense (Cortex Phellodendri; Huang Bo) was tested on contractions of isolated rat prostate gland induced by electrical nerve stimulation and direct muscle stimulation.

 

Results:

Electrical field stimulation (0.5 ms, 60 V, 1–20 Hz) induced nerve mediated contractions of isolated rat prostate were inhibited by Phellodendron amurense (Cortex Phellodendri; Huang Bo) extract dissolved in either dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), acetic acid or water (P≦0.022, n = 6 for each) but not boiling water (P = 0.619, n = 6). Phellodendron amurense (Cortex Phellodendri; Huang Bo) extract also inhibited contractions of isolated rat prostates elicited by exogenous administration of noradrenaline (10nM to 100μM), acetylcholine (10nM to 100μM) or adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP, 100nM to 100μM) (P≦0.004, n = 6–8 for each).

 

Conclusion:

Phellodendron amurense (Cortex Phellodendri; Huang Bo) is able to inhibit prostatic contractility suggesting that it may be useful in the treatment of urological disorders caused by prostatic urethral obstruction such as in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

 

Keywords: Smooth muscle, Neuromuscular transmission,Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)

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1. Introduction
2. Materials and methods
   1. Animals
   2. Prostate dissection
   3.  Isolated organ bath studies
   4. Analysis of data
   5. Drugs and Phellodendron extract: Granules of concentrated pure dried plant extracts of Phellodendron amurense (bark) in a natural base of non-active maize starch were purchased from Sun Ten Pharmaceuticals (Taipei, Taiwan). This Phellodendron extract is for prescription by registered practitioners only and not for retail sale.
3. Results
   1.  Effects of Phellodendron on contractile responses to nerve stimulation
   2. Effects of Phellodendron on contractile responses to exogenously administered agonists
4. Discussion
5. Acknowledgements
6. References

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